Need a BMW roof rack tool

I bought a used roof rack for my 2000 328i. i didn't realize that the 4 screws that secure the rack to the roof of the car require a special screw driver until after i bought it.

The seller couldn't find the tool. I called the dealer and they said there is a special code. The problem is I am not sure where to find this code. I looked in the screws, it says S1, but according to the dealer that's not a valid code.

the part number for the tool is: 82799405012.

the only other option is to buy the tool with a new set of screws, the set costs $70.

If you own the same roof rack, can you please tell me where the code would be written and what a valid code number format is.

The part number for the roof rack is 82719408587.

thx.

Isn't it a torx screw head? I haven't had a chance to install mine yet (also bought used).

Originally Posted by exBMWannabe

Isn't it a torx screw head? I haven't had a chance to install mine yet (also bought used).

The ETK says it is coded. However, the screws it turns are M6x16, so if you don't care to have the security head, you could just use a generic screw. I think an 07 11 9 913 015 would do the trick, for 25 cents each or so at the dealer.

Maybe if you take the whole rack to the dealer, they'd be able to help you? The code for mine is stamped on the instruction manual.

Thule makes this rack, right?
You can contact them, or Sportsrack if they are near you.

Originally Posted by exBMWannabe

Isn't it a torx screw head? I haven't had a chance to install mine yet (also bought used).

this is how the screw head looks like. see attachment below.

this roof rack is not made by thule, it's probably some third party supplier for BMW, but thule made their own roof rack for BMW.

I like Terry's idea, i will stop by at the dealer and buy the generic screw for it.

Interesting. Now you got me wanting to pull out my set up and take a look.

The very first time I put on my Thule roofrack (which is also marketed as a BMW accessory) I almost stripped out two of those crappy bolts. I took one down to the local hardware store and bought some allenhead replacements. Much easier to torque down tightly without risking wallowing out the others. The purpose of the "special bolts" is security I guess, but I'm not too worried about someone going through the trouble of stealing my roofrack.

Originally Posted by mtbscott

The very first time I put on my Thule roofrack (which is also marketed as a BMW accessory) I almost stripped out two of those crappy bolts. I took one down to the local hardware store and bought some allenhead replacements. Much easier to torque down tightly without risking wallowing out the others. The purpose of the "special bolts" is security I guess, but I'm not too worried about someone going through the trouble of stealing my roofrack.

Ok, I finally got a chance to mount my rack and make adjustments to it. The bolts are weird and keyed. The tool socket isn't that deep and it was hard to get a good hold on the screwhead w/o popping off.

I was also a little concerned about how tight it was to screw down w/stripping something. MTBscott, were you concerned about stripping the threads or the head? Or the threaded holes in the roof?

Originally Posted by exBMWannabe

Ok, I finally got a chance to mount my rack and make adjustments to it. The bolts are weird and keyed. The tool socket isn't that deep and it was hard to get a good hold on the screwhead w/o popping off.

I was also a little concerned about how tight it was to screw down w/stripping something. MTBscott, were you concerned about stripping the threads or the head? Or the threaded holes in the roof?

I actually went to install my roof rack last week and snapped one of those stupid screws.. Using the hand tool! Now I need to find the part number for the bolt that this roof rack screw goes into as the screw that holds the rack into place is supported by another screw that attaches to the roof.. If anyone can help locate a part number for that bolt it would be much appreciated.. I'll call my local BMW dealer and repost the part #

holy thread necro!

you might want to check out this thread:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=667014

It's called a "threaded plug" which is the hole located in the roof rail that your rack screws into.
And the part number is: 41 31 8 199 941
Hope this helps anyone who runs into the same problem.. Plug was only $3.95!